ASUU Strike: House Of Representatives Intervene

The Federal House of Representatives has shown interest in the ongoing strike by Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU and expressed worry over the issue.

It also resolved to set up a joint Senate/House ad-hoc committee to investigate the remote and immediate cause of Tuesday’s industrial action by members of the Parliamentary Staff Association, PASAN, of the National Assembly.

At yesterday’s plenary, the House equally passed a bill for an act to amend the Public Procurement Act, PPA. The request to the President followed a motion, entitled, “Call for Legislative Intervention to Maintain Industrial Peace In the Country: Motion Brought Under Matters of Urgent Public Importance,” By Sani Zoro from Jigawa State. We equally need upward review of pensions, senior citizens beg FG He said there was need for the parliament to intervene in the matter to find a lasting solution to the crisis.

He said: “The House notes with concern, the ongoing strike by members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which has paralyzed academic activities of most public-owned universities. “It is worried by the reluctance of the Presidency to transmit the Tripartite Agreement on National Minimum Wage to the National Assembly for legislation. “The House is alarmed by threats of industrial action by organised labour in the face of the stalemate caused by the failure to facilitate the due process needed for appropriate resolution of the dispute. Buhari won’t be stampeded to sign Electoral Act Amendment Bill – Senate Leader “It is disturbed that members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of the National Assembly also picketed our legislative chambers yesterday (Tuesday) to draw attention to their grievances. “Consistent with National Assembly’s established tradition of intervention that have in the past helped to resolve many labour disputes”.

Zoro added that the move will also help to avert the looming industrial action threatened by organised labour, with the potential of paralyzing the nation’s socio-economic and political activities, and its attendant costs. Adopting the motion, the House also resolved that the Federal Government should henceforth display good faith in implementing the age-old agreement mutually reached between it and ASUU, so as to check the union’s incessant strike, adding that it was the only weapon for compelling government to the negotiating table at all times. The committee, which is yet to be set up, is expected to make immediate recommendations to the two legislative chambers for appropriate action.